Box - Solid Graphite - Solid Graphite Box
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€ 1
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Selected by Michel Karis
Art historian with extensive experience working at various auction houses in antiques.
Estimate € 150 - € 230
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Solid graphite Art Deco box from Germany, dating to 1920–1930, with dimensions 19.5 × 14.5 × 14.5 cm and a weight of 1354 g, in black and in good vintage condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Rare decorative lidded box carved entirely from solid graphite, featuring finely turned and hand-carved geometric and floral-inspired decoration. The elegant finial and concentric ornamental bands give the piece a distinctive architectural appearance.
Objects carved from solid graphite are uncommon. Due to its natural metallic grey lustre and relatively soft structure, graphite was occasionally used during the late 19th and especially the early to mid-20th century for decorative and artisanal objects. Such pieces are associated with traditional graphite-working regions in Central Europe, particularly Bavaria (Kropfmühl/Passau), Bohemia and Austria.
The box was most likely intended as a decorative object, desk accessory or small trinket container rather than for everyday food storage. The underside retains visible turning marks, demonstrating traditional lathe craftsmanship.
A rare and unusual collector's item that combines mineral craftsmanship with decorative art.
Condition
Good vintage condition with normal signs of age. Minor edge wear, small chips and light surface scratches consistent with the relatively soft graphite material. Please refer to the photographs.
Material: Solid graphite
Dimensions
Length: 19.5 cm
Width: 14.5 cm
Weight: 1,354 g
Provenance
Private collection, Freiburg, Germany.
Rare decorative lidded box carved entirely from solid graphite, featuring finely turned and hand-carved geometric and floral-inspired decoration. The elegant finial and concentric ornamental bands give the piece a distinctive architectural appearance.
Objects carved from solid graphite are uncommon. Due to its natural metallic grey lustre and relatively soft structure, graphite was occasionally used during the late 19th and especially the early to mid-20th century for decorative and artisanal objects. Such pieces are associated with traditional graphite-working regions in Central Europe, particularly Bavaria (Kropfmühl/Passau), Bohemia and Austria.
The box was most likely intended as a decorative object, desk accessory or small trinket container rather than for everyday food storage. The underside retains visible turning marks, demonstrating traditional lathe craftsmanship.
A rare and unusual collector's item that combines mineral craftsmanship with decorative art.
Condition
Good vintage condition with normal signs of age. Minor edge wear, small chips and light surface scratches consistent with the relatively soft graphite material. Please refer to the photographs.
Material: Solid graphite
Dimensions
Length: 19.5 cm
Width: 14.5 cm
Weight: 1,354 g
Provenance
Private collection, Freiburg, Germany.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
1354 g
Title additional information
Solid Graphite Box
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Germany
Material
Solid Graphite
Style
Art Deco
Colour
Black
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
19.5 cm
Width
14.5 cm
Depth
14.5 cm
Estimated period
1920-1930
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